2009

impact
report
For generations, lives have
been rewritten and renewed at
the YMCA. Though the
circumstances vary – health
issues, financial hardships, Roy Wright, dedicated
morning exerciser,
children left home alone, donor, & volunteer

growing up without a role model

– they have one thing in
common: the YMCA is the
catalyst that transforms dire YMCA connects Roy Wright
situations into footnotes on to his community
someone’s path to becoming a As a 30-year Buckhead YMCA member, donor and
volunteer, Roy Wright says he was looking for a place
better person, friend and citizen. to exercise but found a whole lot more. “The Y does so
much beyond health and wellness. I was not aware of
its broad scope before I became a volunteer,” he says.

“What really stands out is the camaraderie and

Mary Jo Corsetti honored as
2009 Volunteer of the Year
Mary Jo Corsetti established the Carl E. Sanders
Family Y lacrosse program to be the feeder program
for all high school and middle school programs in the
Buckhead area.
“I love the satisfaction of knowing and helping young
people learn, grow, engage, give back, and take
responsibility,” says Mary Jo. “My experience with the Y
has been heartwarming. It certainly is something I wish
I had when I was a child. I want parents to know we've
created a special environment for their kids. The YMCA
holds true to its values, so parents know their kids are
in a great place.”
Mary Jo Kristin
Corsetti McEwen
inclusive feel. Working out in the mornings, I see a wide
range of people. Everyone is dressed to exercise, so
you don’t know what anyone does or how much money
they have. There is no agenda. Everyone is there for the
same purpose. Everyone is equal.”
Roy joined the Northside YMCA on Roswell Road in the
1970s, and you’ll still find him at the Y most days by
6 a.m. He’s served as a board member for 20 years
and chaired the Buckhead Y board. He was an integral
member of the capital campaign committee to build
the Windsor soccer complex and the current Carl E.
Sanders Family YMCA.
The Buckhead YMCA is celebrating 10 years of
connecting with the community, and Roy says the
impact is remarkable. “This YMCA opened with 1,200
members, and today we have more than 15,000 facility
and program members, meaningful outreach programs
and active partnerships. I am so proud to be involved
with this rewarding community work.”
More than just a game
As a coach, Eric Hartz
creates an impact
A dedicated father, Eric Hartz is
a six-year, volunteer coach for
girls soccer at the Carl E. Sanders
Family YMCA at Buckhead. He
spends his evenings and weekends
encouraging and teaching young
girls on the field. More importantly,
he recognizes the impact of YMCA
sports programs when the players
are away from the game and at
home, school or with their friends.
The Y soccer program provides
a place to build life skills like
healthy competition, teamwork,
Eric Hartz
conflict resolution, and participating
in enjoyable physical activity. “Soccer
is something these kids can take
with them for life,” Eric says. “I’ve
developed friendships and met new
people in Atlanta and during my travels
simply by throwing on cleats and
joining a game. The joys of soccer are
cross-cultural and understood in any
language.”
Many members don’t know the soccer
program exists, because the Sanders
Buckhead YMCA fields are off site.
For the past 33 years, the Windsor
Parkway complex has been home to
Buckhead YMCA youth and adult
soccer leagues. In 2009, more than
3,000 soccer players and 1,000
lacrosse players gathered on these
fields.
Located at Peachtree Dunwoody
Road and Windsor Parkway, the
complex underwent its first phase
of improvements in summer 2009.
The renovations included improving
the parking areas, adding a
new entrance and curbing and
landscaping to enhance the
overall appearance.

Joshua Wojtowicz
How I learned to have fun
and make a difference
By Joshua Wojtowicz
My name is Joshua. I am nine years old, and the
YMCA has been part of my life since I was little.
One summer we came to the pool. It was
awesome. I didn’t know how to swim like
everyone else, and it made me want to learn how.
I started taking lessons from Coach Diana and
have been swimming ever since.
I am on the Buckhead Barracudas swim team at
the Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA. I also swim in a
summer league at Chastain Park. I really like my
coach, Danny, because he likes to have fun. But,
he makes us work really hard. I get to learn while
having a good time in the water.
I practice five days a week, and my swimming has
really developed over the last two years. My fastest
25-yard freestyle time is 17.38 seconds. Last
year, I swam 104 laps in the Aqua-thon to raise
money for the YMCA Partner With Youth campaign.
I like knowing I can do what I like and help others
at the same time.
Before I could swim, I didn’t do much at all. Now
that I know how to swim and made the Y swim
team, I am amazed to see how much I can do. I
have a lot more confidence in myself. I want to go
to the Olympics some day, so I have to start
training now.
Susie Avzardel
& Traci Crowder
Members support each other
and inspire others
Best friends Susie Avzardel and Traci Crowder are
familiar faces at the Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at
Buckhead. Both women found a place to belong at
the Y because of its outreach program.
They enjoy a variety of Y activities. Susie likes the
cardio machines and strength training equipment,
especially the leg press. Traci prefers walking on the
indoor track and playing basketball. Turbo Kick, a
high-intensity cardio exercise class, is one of their
favorite group classes.
Susie also participates in THE COACH APPROACH®,
an exercise support process designed by the Metro
Atlanta YMCA to give members the skills to stick
with physical activity. In just two months, Susie lost
seven pounds, lowered her blood pressure and cut
her diabetes medication in half.
Susie and Traci say they are impacted by their
YMCA, where they meet new friends, try new
activities and maintain healthy lifestyles. They, in
turn, inspire their fellow members, wellness coaches
and group exercise instructors with their positive
attitudes, genuine laughter and daily perseverance.
 Jaylon
Jailyn
Kayla
Y Program Offers Safety,
Enriching Activities & Hope
These friends enjoy their afternoons
at the Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA
at Buckhead, part of an after-school
enrichment program. Along with 60
other children ages six to12 from
Scott Elementary School and Bolton
Academy, they come to the YMCA
daily and participate in recreational,
academic and creative activities.
Kayla Thomas
“I like having a place to play outside without fear
of the crime that surrounds my home. My mom likes
the YMCA because it keeps me out of trouble. It also
helps me perform better in school because I can get
help with my homework. The counselors are
encouraging, and I look up to them.” Kayla enjoys just
being able to go outside and play on the playground.
Isaiah
Rachel
Rachel Cruz
“I love to be creative and have an opportunity to
express myself. At home, I have no one to play with
after school. I go home alone and can’t go outside by
myself. I love coming to the Y to do arts & crafts. I feel
joyful when I am here with my friends.” Rachel
loves having a creative outlet.
Jailyn Hart
“The YMCA is fun, but it’s more than that, too. I have
played new sports, learned to swim and joined a dance
group. The counselors are important role models to me.
They teach me it is important to show character
even when no one is looking.” Jailyn is excited about
new Y activities she has tried like yoga and hip hop.
Jaylon Banks
“I am pretty shy. But at the YMCA, each new activity
is an opportunity to learn and challenge myself. The
YMCA helps me and my friends. It makes us see
a future.” Jaylon excels in gymnastics, but he also
enjoys swim lessons.
2009 Partner With Youth Annual Campaign Donors Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead
Donors and partners contribute to the Partner With Youth annual campaign
which provides financial assistance for YMCA programs or membership. The
Board of Managers
YMCA is open to all regardless of income, and strives to make its programs
affordable and accessible. Board Chairman Jonathan Katz
Maarten Kuik Turner Entertainment Group
Euram, Inc.
$5,000+ Maarten Kuik Diana Tollerson
John Majors
Bank of America Life Fitness Chris and Linda Trower Lisa Bael Aman Harold A. Dawson Company
Cybex John Majors Varel International
James L. Benjamin Rob Morris
FitLinxx Scott and Kristin McEwen W. James Wade
Sean Moynihan Jodie Williams Robert Chrane Jr. Sean Moynihan
Leodelle Lassiter Jolley

2
Foundation Newmark Knight Frank
Publix Super Markets Charities Barry Wright
Lou Corsetti
Sadler and Teed Poe Holly Rhodes Roy Wright Xrm Global, Inc. Sadler Poe
Governor Carl Sanders Russell Sewell Jr. Alston & Bird, LLP, Retired
E. Stockton Croft
Sheldon Snipe $250-$499 Arcapita, Inc. Holly Rhodes
$1,000-$4,999 Star Trac Joseph Ambler
Elisa Ezor Jace E. Rogers
Peter and Lisa Aman Superior Essex, Inc. Joe Becknell
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
Robert Anastasi Tensar Corp. Jim Buckler Andrea Farley International Airport
James L. Benjamin Jeff Tucker John Cook Troutman Sanders LLP Attorneys at Law
Russell N. Sewell Jr.
Matthew and Kimberly Berry Terri Jackson Wade Dane Belt Ross & Associates Andrew P. Feinour Georgia Capitol Partners
Nancy Blank Yakima Products, Inc. Olen Earl Carter & Associates
Carmen Toledo
Arthur M. Blank Family Comer Yates Richard Flexner Chip Franzoni King and Spalding

i
Foundation Adam Zimmerman Charles Heinz
John Burch Adam Fuller Terri Jackson Wade
Robert Heller
Homrich & Berg, Inc. SJ Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Camp Family Foundation $500-$999 Jackson Healthcare
Stephen Carter Gay Miller Kahn Stephen Gallant William A. Whipple Jr.
Tom and Marye Kate
Elizabeth Chrane Aldridge Foundation Bradley Ladden Carl M. Hair Jr. Roy Wright
Robert Chrane Jr. Honey Barnes Donna Leonard Hardin Construction Company, LLC Love Properties, Inc.
Church’s Chicken Tommie Benefield Matthew Levin
Michael Hobbs Comer Yates
Lou and Mary Jo Corsetti Bijoux Terner Michael MacGilvray Troutman Sanders LLP Attorneys at Law Atlanta Speech School
The Croft Family Challenger Sports David Marmins
E. Stockton Croft Elizabeth K. Jump Adam Zimmerman
Sheldon Cohen Peter McGaffigan Career Sport & Entertainment
B. Scott Doll Heidi Deringer Ruth McGehee

r
Sandra Ecker Joan O’Brien Diemer Toby Merlin
Equifax C. Suzanne Doolan Nonami Foundation, Inc.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Brett and Julie Duffy Forrest Old
Foundation David Eichenblatt Carol Raeber
Excel Electrical Technologies Georgia Snack Vending George Reid YMCA Mission
Elisa Ezor Amy Grames Greg and Laura Rhodes Your YMCA, reflecting its Judeo-Christian heritage,
Andrea Farley Ignition, Inc. Steve Robison is an association of volunteers, members and staff,
Chip Franzoni Kleber Family Foundation Roedl Langford de Kock
Adam Fuller open to and serving all, providing programs and
Meridian Surgical Mitesh Shah
Stephen Gallant Partners, LLC
L. Barry Teague services which develop spirit, mind, and body.
Carl M. Hair Jr. PODS
United Way of Central and Financial assistance is available based on need.
Hardin Construction Co. Micki Robinson Northwestern Connecticut
JAMCO
The YMCA actively seeks to identify and
Andy Scherffius Mary Alice Young
Elizabeth Jump MJ and Courtney Severson Don Zimmerman
involve those in need.
J.T. King Southern Pan Services Steve Zoukis
King and Spalding

Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. We apologize for any
misprints or omissions. Please notify us of any corrections.
Photos by LAPiD Photography

Carl E. Sanders
“It is great to be able to partner with an organization
Family YMCA at Buckhead
that inspires and builds. The YMCA never divides but
1160 Moores Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30327
only multiplies their gifts of giving.”
404-350-9292 • sby.ymcaatlanta.org
Nicole Hodges, program director We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.
Learning Link Center/Hampton Oaks